PDEA: ‘No evidence’ pointing to a ton of intercepted shabu bound for PH

MANILA, Philippines — It is inconclusive to claim that a vessel carrying more than a ton of shabu (methamphetamine) intercepted by Thai authorities was headed to the Philippines.

This statement comes from Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) chief Isagani Nerez on Thursday, dispelling reports linking the cargo to domestic shores.

Thai authorities intercepted a vessel bound for the Philippines carrying 1,178 kilograms of shabu in the Gulf of Thailand, according to an Oct. 8 Bangkok Post report.

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The same report said Thai authorities also arrested six Thai crew members operating the boat linked to an international drug trafficking syndicate.

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Nerez said “it is not good, or it is not safe to say that the destination of this vessel is the Philippines,” citing PDEA’s coordination with foreign counterparts.

“There is no evidence to show that this vessel will come to the Philippines,” he told lawmakers at a congressional hearing.

READ: House to probe interception of half-ton shabu shipment bound for PH

Though Nerez said the crew members apprehended by Thai authorities in early October have been intercepted earlier by a joint task force of anti-narcotics agents, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Coast Guard in Philippine waters.

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“On August 21, 2026, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency received information from a foreign counterpart regarding a vessel of interest that was reportedly planning to conduct a trial run in Philippine waters after departing from Thailand,” he said.

Five days later, the Philippine task force caught the ship. 

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“On August 26, 2026, a composite team composed of personnel from PDEA, from the Philippine Navy of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines, and from the Philippine Coast Guard successfully intercepted this vessel of interest within the Philippine waters in the West Philippine Sea,” Nerez said.

“During that maritime interdiction, authorities identified seven crew members…, all of whom were Thai nationals,” he told lawmakers.

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“However, no illegal drugs were discovered on board the vessel during the operation,” he pointed out. /apl